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Blue Skies Again BYU ('98: 9-5)
Posted: Wednesday August 11, 1999 05:06 PM
The Plot
The Cougars ran the ball 178 more times (and averaged 30 more rushing yards per game) in '98 than in '97, but this season look for the Cougars to return to their familiar reliance on the pass, partly because of their senior quarterback and mostly because of the loss of their top running back.
The DirectorLaVell Edwards -- 28th year, 243-91-3
StarringLB Rob Morris -- Turned down the NFL after making 114 solo tackles (147 overall) in '98 and earning WAC defensive player of the year honors as a junior.
Co-starringQB Kevin Feterik -- Coming off junior season in which he threw for 2,985 yards and 19 TDs, and led the WAC in passing efficiency.WR Margin Hooks -- Runs a 4.35-second 40, led the team with 49 receptions and 732 yards last season and will be a bigger target in '99. RB Jaron Dabney -- Earned 1997 WAC freshman of the year honors and could be counted on to replace the yardage lost when Ronney Jenkins (1,307, 15 TDs in '98) was expelled.
And introducingLB Jeff Holtry -- The 6'3", 245-pound junior transfer was a member of the 1997 NCAA champion Michigan Wolverines and will play the weak side next to Morris.
Why it will workIf the young and inexperienced defense matures, it is a potentially suffocating unit. And with so many starters returning to an already solid offense, the Cougars should cruise through the Mountain West's maiden voyage.
Why it won'tOut of the gate, the Cougars get Washington, Colorado State and Virginia at home before traveling to Utah State and returning to face Cal in Provo.
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